Benedict XIII (1394-1423) was an antipope, a papal rival elected in Avignon during the second Great Schism (1378-1417). From the earliest days of Catholicism, antipopes were elected, appointed or simply assumed the title of Supreme Pontiff illegally. They were usually pitiable figureheads propped up by powerful rulers who disagreed with the Holy See.
But Benedict XIII proved to be one of the most enduring antipopes. Even as the kings of France, Germany and England were asking him to abdicate the crown, Benedict's resolution to remain pontiff created a swell of popular support. Faced with a lack of financial support -- and the presence of a newly elected antipope -- he eventually withdrew to his castle in Valencia. He died there in his 90s, insisting to the end he was the true pope.
